Always Faithful Dog Training of Kentuckiana

Hailey and Dave did such a great job helping us with our mini Aussie. She was a precious but spoiled 7 year old who ruled the home. She is now in her place. Still precious but well behaved. The instruction was so easy. Definitely a blessing. More...

I'll never be able to describe every tiny way Always Faithful Dog Training has helped me, my family, and our dog. From the first session, our dog behaved better. The only reason we ended our training with Dave and Hailey is that we moved to another state. We're planning to resume training soon and hoping to find someone like them!

Our Great Dane, Blue, is a lovely six year old who acts like she's two. We love that she's healthy, playful, and has energy to do fun things with us. She's sweet, boisterous, smart, and her energy turns into wild excitement really easily. She loves people but is reactive to dogs and is as strong as a heavyweight wrestler. She became reactive to dogs just a couple years ago. As a Great Dane, her version of reactive is pretty scary. She also tends to get overly excited about guests, especially people she likes a lot. She's been known to give a headbutt for attention. She already knew the basics of sit, down, etc but was rusty with things like stay and coming when called- and most everything she knows went out the window when she was excited.

She's not interested in food so treats weren't a good motivator for her and I don't believe in training through punishment. Dogs have been with us for thousands of years and didn't have to be shocked or hurt in order to become humankind's best friend. I was happy to find Always Faithful and that their training isn't based on treats or shock collars. Blue is very motivated by play and praise so this type of training worked very well for us.

Dave explained how certain small details- like who goes through a door first- are ways we (sometimes unknowingly) communicate clear messages to our dogs in their language. He and Hailey also demonstrated how to teach my dog, in our home, in the moments the problem behaviors were happening. They trained us humans how to train our dog and helped us show our dog the expectations. They observed us teaching her and helped us get it just right. It was honestly awesome and we had a lot of fun.

I had become really anxious about walking Blue because of her reactivity with other dogs. My anxiety fed her reactivity and vice versa. This training helped me feel more confident in my ability to walk Blue and teach her to be a good dog. Her leash manners have improved a lot and we've been able to pass most dogs calmly in our new city. The leash we got from them has been really really helpful. You'll see.

She'll wait in a stay when a guest is settling in to visit and when they're leaving. This is honestly a shocking change. She gets PUMPED about the people she likes so this is a BIG deal for us. Guests who have visited us before and since our training have commented on the change in her manners. She's still thrilled but she's not being rude.

We just finished our sessions about two weeks ago, right before our big move. We did something unique- a very intensive, twice a week training session schedule. We accomplished so much as a team. We're still learning and practicing every single day. We have a long way to go but have come really far already. There's a lot to learn and we're not quite ready for dog parks but it sure is nice to walk Blue by the lake and pass other dogs peacefully, without a big scary show.

This isn't your typical training. There's no magic trick, it's practicing in the moment and getting to know your dog. There's human homework. If you practice with your dog, you'll see big changes. Practicing with your dog doesn't have to be a long chunk like your training sessions with Dave and Hailey. Practicing means working on these new things as you go about your day with your dog. When you come home or leave, when you go through doors, when you call them to you. Asking them to sit while you put on their leash, asking them to lay down before you pet them when you get home, asking them to stay while you go to the kitchen- they're all moments of practice and it's what really counts because you're showing your dog exactly how you'd like them to be every day.

The training helps your dog feel more confident and comfortable. I feel that my bond and trust with Blue is the best it's ever been and she's the least anxious she's ever been. She's no longer a headbutting butthead with guests. It's the best money I've ever spent on my dog and has helped me too. They're really thoughtful people and you'll be glad to work with them.

I'd also like to note that this business is LGBTQ+ friendly. Dave and Hailey were both completely comfortable with my wife and I. More...

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Reply from Always Faithful Dog Training of Kentuckiana

Thank you so very much! We loved working with you and Blue! Being part of such amazing growth, all the development in skills and calm confidence, in such a short span of time, was a wonderful experience. We are glad to have had the opportunity to help in such a meaningful way and we hope you will let us know when you visit the area again. As part of the AFDT client family, you are always welcome to reach out for updates and advice going forward. All our best to you and yours!

Dave was wonderful with our standard poodle puppy. Very knowledgeable and patient. Would definitely recommend him to anyone in need of training their dog.

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Reply from Always Faithful Dog Training of Kentuckiana

Thank you, Cassie! My pleasure, glad to help!

I had a great experience with Dave teaching me all the skills needed to train my dog, Tuna. Her behavior improved greatly after just a few sessions. It was a relief to have home visits rather than having to meet in a group. I highly recommend Always Faithful! More...

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Reply from Always Faithful Dog Training of Kentuckiana

Thank you, Shauna, it was my pleasure working with you and Tuna!

Always on time and great communication. Great tips on training my dog. Very patient with me and my dog.

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Reply from Always Faithful Dog Training of Kentuckiana

Thank you! We enjoyed working with you thru Basic Obedience and hope you will keep us in mind for more advanced training in the future.